2013 Triumph Trophy (SE) | Preview

As we get older we can see ourselves buying two sport touring bikes. Triumph has come out with their high end touring bike the Trophy. Don’t like the name but the bike looks really comfy. We envision ourselves on BMW’s in oh about 4 years or so. Have to get the DS riding out of our systems. But one day and we are not afraid to admit it, we will settle into comfort and luxury on two wheels. Not quite there yet but one day. ;-) How about you? BMW? Triumph? Goldwing? Harley? Honda? Kawasaki? Which one?

2013 Triumph Trophy Sport Tourer

For the 2012 model year, Triumph released a machine that would go head-to-head with the BMW R 1200 GS, the manufacturer from Hinkley releasing the Tiger Explorer.

Powered by a 1215cc inline three, the Explorer quickly became the largest displacement Adventure bike on the market, beating the BMW R 1200 GS by a few ccs.

And for 2013, Triumph seems to be once again going head-to-head with the Bavarian manufacturer, but this time in the luxury sport touring class. Triumph’s latest model, the Trophy, seems to be directed at BMW’s uber-luxurious and powerful sport tourers, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.

The Trophy, which is only available as the Trophy SE in the states, the SE featuring electronically adjustable suspension and a sophisticated audio system, features the same 1215cc engine as the Explorer, but tuned for better street manners.

And just like the BMW K 1600 GT and GTL models, the Triumph Trophy hooks this power to a six-speed transmission and final shaft drive.

The 2013 Triumph Trophy is built on an aluminum twin-spar frame, with a single-sided cast aluminum alloy swingarm. Taking care of suspension up front are WP 43mm upside down forks with manually adjustable rebound damping, and 130mm travel. The SE model also features WP 43mm upside down forks, but with electronically adjustable rebound damping (sport/normal/comfort) and 127mm travel.

The Triumph Trophy rolls on cast-aluminum, five spoke wheels (17 X 3.5-inch front, 17 X 6-inch wheel), helping to keep the overall wet weight around 662 lbs. Stopping the machine are twin 320mm floating disk brakes squeezed by Nissin four-piston calipers, and a single 282mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston sliding caliper. The Triumph Trophy and Trophy SE both feature linked ABS, which is non-switchable (linked means front brakes are partially activated by the rear brake).

The ergonomics are designed for comfort while long-distance touring, as is the luxurious wide seat for both rider and passenger. The seats are also available with a heated option, as are the grips.

Another standard feature on both the Trophy and Trophy SE are electronic adjustable windscreen to protect riders from the wind and rain at all speeds. The windshield also remembers it’s position when the bike turns off so the rider doesn’t have to constantly re-adjust the screen. Triumph says the mirrors and foot controls have also been intelligently designed to protect the rider’s hands and feet, keeping them dry and comfortable.

As for cargo space, the Triumph Trophy and Trophy SE both arrive with the Dynamic Luggage System, which offers 31 liters (8.2 gallons) of space on each side. The Dynamic Luggage System was also designed to not be rigid to the chassis, allowing for a lighter feeling.

Triumph says “in fixed luggage systems, large loads cause small movements and
vibrations in the chassis – these can actually de-stabilise the bike and cause weaving. The trophy’s system prevents this, keeping the bike stable. This makes the ride much more comfortable for riders and passengers.”

The Trophy and Trophy SE also feature switchable traction control, which keeps wheel slip to a minimum by analyzing the speed of both wheels and adjusting performance, and electronic cruise control as standard items.

Following are the specs, color options, and optional accessories for the 2013 Triumph Trophy SE, which is expected to hit stateside showrooms in January 2013. As of this writing, Triumph didn’t release an MSRP.

I love the “Trophy” but 662 pounds is too much weight for me so at age 52 I bought a Tiger 800 (Roadie). I plan to accessorize it (to make it as comfy as possible) – hope to use it as a sport touring bike. I’m waiting for delivery – I’ll let you know how it works out.

I have an ’11 Concours 14 and love it. it’s a great compromise between truly sport and touring. I’m personally hoping that this will be the bike that I keep well into my old age. The Trophy keeps getting lined up with the BMW K 1600 but to me this looks more like a BMW RT or Honda ST killer. It even looks like a blend of the two. The price will be really telling as to where the target is for this bike.

I have an ’08 Goldwing and love it. It’s a good fit for me. I did a lot of research before I bought it. After all is said and done I doubt if I will own another bike. I wrote about the it in my blog… http://www.thetexasrambler.com/2012/04/08/what-i-ride-and-why/
Everyone has different needs so you need to know what they are and find the bike that meets those needs.

Was wiped off the road – 20 Jul 13 – by a woman on a Nissan test drive. Wrote off my 2010 HD ElectraGlide Ultra Ltd,and nearly me! Looked at Yamaha….nope..looked at the Honda..nope…was quite intent on BMW..rode em..loved ’em’….went to Triumph…..now the very happy owner of a new Trophy SE with all the toys..France in a few weeks…Norway in the summer….shaft drive…brilliant motor..makes me smile!